Problem Solving

Focus on Problems vs. Focus on Solutions Focus on ProblemsFocus on Solutions When NASA put astronauts into space discovered that the pens did not write in zero gravity Needed to solve the problem It took ten years and $12 million dollars A zero gravity pen was developed The Russians used a pencil!

Techniques to Develop Solutions Brainstorming: Flow of Ideas Situation Problems Needs Objectives Strategies Ideas The ideas you want to develop should flow from the strategies you identify to achieve the objectives What you want to achieve How you get there

Example Situation: You just learned of a grant deadline that is three days away. The grant would provide the opportunity for your department to buy a piece of software that you have desperately wanted which would streamline your day-to- day processes and operations. It is up to members of the staff, who are already overworked, to find the time to write the grant and submit it by the deadline. Ideas:

Your perception of any problem depends on the position from where you perceive it.

Creative Problem Solving Reframing and Turning Problems into Opportunities How else can I do this or consider this?

Discover Opportunities Dont focus on the problems Look for solutions See every problem as an opportunity

Stepping Out of Your Shoes Problem to be solved Attitudes Stakeholders Observer Sage

Asking Effective Questions How can I fix things and get them back to the way they were before? How can I fix things and make them better than they were before?

Five Rules for Creative Thinking Dont let assumptions stifle your capacity Discipline yourself to take time to look for alternatives Create an atmosphere where you and others can apply creative thinking Shed inhibitions: move from left-brain to right-brain thinking Spinning your wheels: leave it for a while and let your unconscious work on a solution

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